Hayden Lee, a founding member of Promenade Chess Cub, which in 2001 became a member of the Trinidad & Tobago Chess Association, took first place in the first of four New India Assurance National chess qualifiers for a place in the National Finals. Lee's surprise victory at Checkmaters Chess Club's venue of Arcon Building, University of the West Indies, St Augustine, means that he has made it into the "national finals" for the third consecutive year.

Last year he qualified in the second tournament at Arima and in 2005 in the fourth qualifier in Tobago.

He surprisingly defeated Dr Chang, Yee, Cave and Bowles on his way to the first prize dropping only a half point against Cecil Lee (no relationship). In second place on 5 points was Cave, who won his 7th round match in a hard fought game against young Fatima College Form Two student and national under-16 champion Joseph Gill.

Also ending on 5 points was Dr Chang to take third spot. Chang defeated Cecil Lee in the last round on March 3. Lee (H), Cave and Chang have qualified.

The New India Assurance second qualifier started last Saturday at Kings & Queens Chess Club in Arima. The third qualifier is scheduled to take place at the Southern Chess Club in San Fernando from April 7, while the fourth qualifier is billed for Tobago in May. Eleven qualifying players will then join reigning national champion FM Ryan Harperin the battle for the 2007 national chess champion title.

The national championship is open to all national of T&T who are members of the TTCA. Interested players can contact Joffrey Marcelle at 868-728-1833 or Bhisham Soondarsingh at 868-628-5068.